17th Annual Superior Police Sniper Competition
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Photojournalist:
SUPERIOR – Snipers from all over Wisconsin and Minnesota competed in the 17th annual Sniper Competition.
Snipers fired rounds at George Constance Sr. Memorial Rifle Range, hoping their shots landed them in 1st place.
Nearly 70 snipers from swat teams in Wisconsin and Minnesota competed in the 17th annual Superior Police Sniper Competition.
"These are some meat eating, red meat eating type A alpha males at this place," Robert Lutze with the Milwaukee Police Department Tactical Enforcement Unit said.
It was all for a chance to take home the dueling sniper title.
"No one comes here going I wanna be last,” said Superior Police Department Investigator Jeff Harriman. “You're striving for perfection."
They competed in five events testing their speed, aim, impact on their target, vision and scope manipulation.
"It's important for snipers to test their skills and with the competition it adds a little bit of pressure," said Harriman.
They got a minute to prep, set up and get behind their rifles to release rounds into Osama bin Laden.
When all shots were fired they entered their bullet rattled scoreboards, taking them one step closer to the title.
"One missed point can make or break you,” said Lutze. “One shot can take you from #1 to zero."
Snipers say it's not just about shooting guns, but it's an art.
"It's like a samurai its practice, practice, practice.” said Lutze. “You hope you never have to take that shot."
The competition also allows them to exchange information and techniques with other snipers.
“Hey how'd you do this? Ok you might wanna try this,” said Lutze. “Ok did you put 2 minutes on your scope?”
They also made new friends.
"I've networked friends all up and down Wisconsin because of this competition," said Lutze.
They left with training, confidence, camaraderie and of course, "It's all about bragging rights,” said Lutze. “It's all about the bragging rights, I mean it is really."
Here are the winners from the competition:
1. Griffin Hilbo Minneapolis PD 4585
2. Nick Sasson Bloomington PD 4400
3. Juan Valencia Minneapolis PD 4365
The top local competitor is Sgt. Mark Jacobson with the Douglas County Sheriffs Department. Jacobson came in 5th with 4125.
Max points possible 5000
